DALLAS — Leaders with the State Fair of Texas say they are not rescinding the new policy banning guns, one day after a group of lawmakers signed a petition.
State Fair officials announced last week that no weapons would be allowed at the fair this year. Officials said active and retired peace officers are authorized to carry within the fairgrounds, and Dallas police officers will verify their credentials at pedestrian entry locations.
This change comes after Dallas Police said a gunman opened fire at the fairgrounds last year, injuring three people.
“It was traumatizing. It was scary. The emotions were all over the place,” said Karissa Condoianis, SFT Public Relations Vice President. "We knew that we would probably get feedback, but we are moving forward with this plan as it was announced."
On Monday, nearly 70 state lawmakers called on Fair Officials this week to rescind the policy.
The release said quote, “Gun-free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil. Law-abiding citizens in the United States use firearms daily to defend themselves against criminals.”
House Representative Brian Harrison represents District 10.
“They're making the wrong decision, no doubt about it,” he said. “I share their goal in maximizing safety but what they’ve done is actually reduce safety.”
Condoianis said officials will not go back on the new policy. She said this was a hard decision to make but believes this is the safest.
“We feel that this is a measure that we need to put in place to just prevent anything from happening out here,” said Condoianis.
Condoianis said there will be hundreds of armed police officers on-site. The State Fair will have more than 2,400 staff members working, including 100 retired officers. That’s in addition to Dallas Police, Dallas Fire Rescue, DART Police, and private security.
Among other new security include only allowing bags inside that are 9 in. x 10 in. x 12 in., and there will be a 24/7 command center.